they_o he_o have_v oblige_v they_o already_o and_o what_o further_a obligation_n they_o shall_v receive_v from_o his_o father_n he_o conclude_v vers_fw-la 17._o thus_o these_o thing_n i_o command_v you_o that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o so_o that_o he_o put_v all_o the_o relation_n which_o we_o have_v to_o he_o of_o servant_n of_o disciple_n and_o of_o friend_n upon_o the_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n to_o each_o other_o from_o whence_o we_o must_v forcible_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o expression_n of_o love_n but_o rather_o of_o disaffection_n and_o of_o hatred_n to_o one_o another_o in_o our_o ministry_n that_o we_o make_v it_o apparent_a unto_o the_o world_n and_o to_o our_o own_o conscience_n when_o they_o awake_v it_o will_v be_v evident_a that_o we_o be_v none_o of_o his_o servant_n nor_o his_o disciple_n nor_o his_o friend_n but_o rather_o the_o servant_n disciple_n and_o friend_n of_o his_o enemy_n 1â—_n ephes_n 6_o 1â—_n the_o prince_n of_o wickedness_n in_o heavenly_a matter_n therefore_o let_v no_o man_n be_v deceive_v with_o fair_a pretence_n of_o holiness_n and_o with_o large_a plea_n and_o discourse_n about_o special_a right_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o have_v bitter_a envy_n and_o strife_n in_o our_o heart_n one_o against_o another_o and_o if_o we_o glory_v therein_o we_o lie_v against_o the_o truth_n 15.16_o jam._n 3.14_o 15.16_o for_o the_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n be_v lead_v in_o such_o case_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o but_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o god_n the_o minister_n therein_o be_v bvilder_n 1_o cor._n 3.10_o 11_o 12._o as_o it_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 14.1_o 2._o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o flock_n they_o be_v shepherd_n thereof_o 1_o pet._n 5.2_o now_o if_o in_o build_v the_o same_o house_n there_o be_v no_o concurrence_n and_o correspondency_n between_o the_o bvilder_n thereof_o how_o will_v it_o be_v fit_o frame_v together_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v ephes_n 20.21_o can_v bvilder_n that_o have_v no_o spiritual_a communion_n but_o be_v rather_o disunite_v in_o their_o way_n frame_v fit_o one_o and_o the_o same_o house_n for_o god_n spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o if_o in_o a_o great_a household_n where_o one_o steward_n can_v oversee_v all_o several_a steward_n be_v appoint_v to_o do_v all_o by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o administration_n yet_o they_o agree_v not_o among_o themselves_o but_o walk_v different_a way_n and_o cross_v each_o other_o will_v not_o this_o distraction_n disorder_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o household_n will_v not_o this_o reflect_v upon_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v his_o family_n in_o peace_n and_o if_o several_a shepherd_n belong_v to_o a_o great_a flock_n to_o feed_v it_o joint_o do_v every_o one_o take_v a_o part_n thereof_o for_o himself_o and_o feed_v it_o separately_z each_o from_o other_o without_o any_o care_n to_o maintain_v good_a neighbourhood_n and_o acquaintance_n but_o rather_o to_o cross_v one_o another_o in_o their_o walk_n and_o draw_v sheep_n one_o from_o another_o how_o will_v they_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o he_o that_o have_v entrust_v they_o with_o the_o joint_a care_n of_o his_o flock_n i_o find_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v in_o love_n with_o christ_n do_v seek_v to_o find_v he_o out_o 1.7.8_o cant._n 1.7.8_o it_o be_v afraid_a to_o turn_v aside_o unto_o the_o flock_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v direct_v how_o to_o come_v to_o he_o it_o be_v bid_v go_v forth_o by_o the_o footstep_n of_o the_o flock_n and_o feed_v beside_o the_o shepherd_n tent_n whence_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o flock_n under_o many_o pretend_v to_o be_v christ_n companion_n do_v perplex_v the_o soul_n and_o turn_v it_o aside_o from_o he_o but_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o flock_n under_o shepherd_n that_o be_v unite_v be_v the_o way_n wherein_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v find_v three_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n do_v whole_o necessitate_v they_o to_o maintain_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n because_o not_o only_o these_o duty_n in_o themselves_o be_v a_o principal_a part_n of_o their_o work_n but_o what_o ever_o else_o do_v belong_v to_o their_o charge_n whether_o it_o concern_v the_o church_n or_o the_o gospel_n it_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n nor_o profitable_a unto_o man_n except_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n first_o then_o that_o these_o duty_n be_v recommend_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o main_a part_n of_o the_o very_a work_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o their_o profession_n i_o suppose_v have_v be_v abundant_o make_v out_o by_o that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v allege_v second_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n without_o this_o frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v evident_a because_o god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o love_v not_o know_v not_o god_n 1_o john_n 4.8_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o ibid._n verse_n 16._o moreover_o he_o that_o do_v not_o all_o his_o work_n in_o love_n as_o he_o be_v command_v 1_o cor._n 16.14_o transgrese_v the_o whole_a law_n by_o the_o unlovely_a frame_n of_o his_o spirit_n because_o as_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13.8_o 9_o 10._o so_o the_o want_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o he_o that_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n can_v please_v he_o say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 8.7_o 8._o and_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o love_n so_o it_o can_v be_v profitable_a unto_o man_n for_o if_o god_n bless_v it_o not_o how_o can_v it_o prosper_v towards_o they_o and_o how_o can_v he_o bless_v that_o which_o be_v displease_v to_o he_o and_o then_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o but_o it_o be_v charity_n which_o edifi_v 1_o cor._n 8.1_o and_o what_o i_o say_v of_o love_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o unity_n as_o it_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o love_n inseparable_a from_o it_o in_o christ_n aim_n john_n 17.23_o and_o equal_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1.10_o and_o 2_o cor._n 13.11_o ephes_n 4.1_o ephes_n 4.1_o till_o 7._o phil._n 2.2_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o must_v thus_o be_v qualify_v to_o find_v acceptance_n but_o if_o we_o look_v more_o distinct_o upon_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o for_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v perceive_v more_o clear_o the_o intrinsical_a coherence_n which_o be_v find_v between_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o ministerial_a administration_n for_o the_o work_n of_o their_o administration_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n belong_v to_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n whereunto_o the_o sacrament_n 6.4_o act_n 6.4_o the_o government_n and_o the_o discipline_n be_v subordinate_a that_o therein_o by_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n the_o saint_n may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n the_o whole_a substance_n and_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 4._o from_o verse_n 11._o till_o 17._o where_o i_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o gift_n and_o office_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n 11._o ephes_n 4._o verse_n 11._o both_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o apostle_n prophet_n and_o evangelist_n and_o the_o ordinary_a of_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n their_o work_n be_v the_o same_o towards_o the_o church_n unto_o the_o world_n end_n namely_o this_o 1._o to_o be_v serviceable_a in_o perfect_v the_o saint_n and_o in_o build_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n 12._o verse_n 12._o in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n till_o they_o all_o come_v to_o the_o unity_n thereof_o unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n 13._o verse_n 13._o where_o we_o see_v that_o the_o end_n of_o their_o work_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfection_n of_o unity_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o shall_v not_o aim_v at_o this_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o come_v short_a of_o the_o true_a end_n of_o their_o administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o shoot_v not_o at_o the_o mark_n which_o god_n have_v set_v before_o they_o second_o their_o service_n be_v to_o preserve_v by_o this_o mean_v the_o
walk_v by_o divide_v principle_n rather_o then_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n may_v have_v cause_n to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o to_o consider_v serious_o of_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n and_o shape_v their_o course_n otherwise_o then_o hitherto_o they_o have_v do_v lest_o happy_o they_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o that_o contentiousnesse_n and_o disobedience_n unto_o the_o truth_n whereunto_o the_o apostle_n have_v sad_o threaten_v a_o heavy_a judgement_n of_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n of_o anguish_n and_o tribulation_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o rom._n cap._n 2._o v._n 8_o 9_o from_o which_o i_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o grant_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o seal_n of_o our_o deliverance_n and_o the_o effect_n all_o evidence_n thereof_o in_o a_o conversation_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o blameless_a in_o love_n chap._n v._o concern_v the_o particular_a term_n of_o unity_n whereunto_o the_o minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n have_v attain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o their_o relation_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n forasmuch_o as_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o the_o minister_n of_o both_o side_n be_v full_o convict_v of_o each_o other_o orthodoxy_n in_o all_o those_o truth_n which_o contain_v not_o only_o the_o substance_n and_o fundamental_o of_o christianity_n but_o also_o all_o profitable_a matter_n unto_o edification_n therefore_o i_o shall_v assert_v the_o sulnesse_n and_o satisfactorinesse_n of_o this_o unity_n brief_o in_o a_o few_o proposition_n which_o i_o be_o sure_o do_v contain_v much_o more_o as_o to_o the_o agreement_n in_o doctrinal_n and_o no_o less_o as_o to_o the_o agreement_n in_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n then_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v up_o a_o brotherly_a unity_n first_o then_o it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a that_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v the_o same_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o only_a word_n of_o god_n outward_o give_v both_o to_o the_o church_n in_o general_a and_o to_o all_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o in_o itself_o and_o to_o all_o believer_n be_v clear_a and_o sufficient_a for_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n and_o for_o their_o direction_n in_o all_o good_a work_n second_o they_o all_o agree_v that_o in_o doubtful_a place_n of_o scripture_n the_o interpretation_n thereof_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o undoubted_a analogy_n that_o be_v the_o proportion_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v in_o other_o â—â—eer_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o right_a analysis_n that_o be_v the_o resolution_n or_o division_n of_o the_o context_n of_o the_o same_o place_n three_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o all_o believe_v unanimouf_o that_o in_o these_o holy_a scripture_n be_v reveal_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o bear_a witness_n in_o beaven_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o these_o three_o be_v one_o and_o the_o only_a true_a and_o live_a god_n of_o who_o the_o true_a knowledge_n be_v life_n eternal_a four_o they_o all_o agree_v to_o profess_v and_o teach_v that_o we_o have_v hope_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v by_o faith_n only_o in_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o who_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o messiah_n promise_v to_o the_o father_n and_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o the_o father_n from_o eternity_n be_v in_o time_n make_v flesh_n a_o true_a man_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n except_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v come_v a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o we_o suffer_v our_o punishment_n and_o pay_v the_o ransom_n for_o our_o sin_n to_o satisfy_v god_n justice_n and_o do_v still_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o heaven_n five_o they_o all_o agree_v full_o in_o this_o that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o that_o now_o there_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n among_o man_n a_o true_a church_n wherein_o god_n be_v worship_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n by_o the_o ordinance_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n that_o unto_o this_o church_n the_o promise_n of_o perpetual_a assistance_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o protection_n against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o of_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v make_v in_o and_o through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o such_o as_o live_v in_o this_o covenant_n the_o life_n of_o repentance_n and_o faith_n here_o shall_v in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a hereafter_o partake_v of_o the_o life_n of_o eternal_a glory_n with_o christ_n when_o all_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o everlasting_a judgement_n of_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o endless_a torment_n six_o beside_o these_o necessary_a truth_n which_o i_o confess_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v i_o to_o acknowledge_v every_o one_o a_o true_a brother_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n who_o do_v believe_v the_o same_o i_o say_v beside_o these_o fundamental_n they_o all_o agree_v with_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o their_o confession_n and_o public_a writing_n such_o namely_o as_o concern_v 1._o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o man_n 2._o the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n 3._o the_o fall_n of_o man_n his_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o will_n 4._o the_o restitution_n of_o man_n fall_n by_o christ_n 5._o christ_n person_n office_n nature_n and_o work_n of_o redemption_n and_o the_o application_n thereof_o 6._o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n 7._o the_o use_n of_o good_a work_n and_o their_o reward_n 8._o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n 9_o the_o state_n of_o regeneration_n justification_n sanctification_n and_o perseverance_n in_o conversion_n 10._o the_o univerfall_n church_n and_o mark_n of_o a_o true_a particular_a church_n 11._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 12._o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n and_o their_o call_n 13._o the_o true_a and_o false_a ordinance_n 14._o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o baptism_n and_o such_o like_a wherein_o over_o and_o above_o necessary_a truth_n most_o thing_n that_o be_v profitable_a and_o expedient_a for_o edification_n be_v full_o express_v and_o by_o all_o assent_v unto_o so_o that_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v without_o all_o doubt_n very_o abundant_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a seven_o see_v the_o bare_a theory_n of_o truth_n dogmatical_o assent_n unto_o be_v not_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v up_o a_o brotherly_a unity_n between_o christ_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n but_o there_o be_v also_o a_o subsistence_n and_o evidence_n of_o our_o interest_n in_o and_o relation_n unto_o he_o necessary_a to_o complete_a this_o union_n therefore_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o complete_a a_o full_a and_o satis_fw-la factory_a unity_n in_o our_o christian_a brotherhood_n one_o towards_o another_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o this_o subsistence_n of_o our_o relation_n unto_o he_o manifest_v unto_o each_o other_o and_o hereunto_o all_o the_o godly_a and_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n will_v hearty_o agree_v that_o none_o be_v to_o be_v count_v true_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o belong_v unto_o his_o mystical_a body_n but_o such_o as_o by_o faith_n embrace_v fiducial_o with_o their_o heart_n the_o fundamental_a and_o save_a truth_n of_o christianity_n make_v confession_n thereof_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o endeavour_v in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n to_o walk_v in_o holiness_n answerable_a thereunto_o that_o be_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n in_o love_n towards_o one_o another_o as_o god_n love_v we_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o unity_n in_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o our_o religious_a profession_n our_o religious_a profession_n be_v here_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o it_o be_v public_a and_o do_v oblige_v we_o to_o stand_v in_o some_o relation_n towards_o other_o through_o the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o chief_a act_n thereof_o be_v four_o the_o first_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v single_a by_o themselves_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o public_a the_o second_o be_v of_o professor_n as_o they_o stand_v unite_v unto_o a_o congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o visible_a constitution_n and_o government_n thereof_o the_o three_o be_v of_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o mutual_a association_n the_o four_o be_v of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o these_o several_a congregation_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o interest_n in_o each_o other_o and_o the_o joint_a
christian_a unity_n the_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v carnal_a self-seeking_a disorderly_a controversy_n and_o the_o want_n of_o true_a brotherly_a inclination_n notwithstanding_o the_o manifold_a bond_n and_o the_o name_n of_o brotherhood_n take_v up_o among_o we_o the_o remedy_n of_o these_o cause_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v learn_v self-deniall_n from_o christ_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o strive_v nor_o cry_v nor_o let_v our_o voice_n be_v hear_v in_o the_o street_n 20._o matth._n 12.19_o 20._o nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n nor_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consider_v one_o another_o to_o exhort_v and_o provoke_v each_o other_o unto_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n 10.24_o heb._n 10.24_o now_o to_o move_v we_o effectual_o hereunto_o next_o unto_o the_o express_a and_o know_a will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v before_o all_o other_o the_o great_a of_o inducement_n i_o know_v nothing_o that_o shall_v be_v more_o powerful_a with_o we_o than_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o doleful_a and_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n and_o distemper_n general_n the_o doleful_a effect_n of_o our_o division_n as_o punishment_n of_o the_o sin_n upon_o all_o in_o general_n for_o whilst_o we_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o distance_n for_o point_n of_o outward_a order_n the_o inward_a substance_n of_o the_o profession_n be_v not_o regard_v whilst_o we_o contend_v for_o circumstantial_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o go_v about_o our_o work_n the_o main_a of_o the_o work_n be_v leave_v undo_v and_o whilst_o for_o temporal_a jealousy_n about_o small_a matter_n brethren_n uphold_v no_o spiritual_a correspondency_n satan_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concernment_n have_v get_v this_o advantage_n against_o we_o that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o truth_n be_v become_v doubtful_a unto_o very_o many_o and_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o in_o it_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o comfort_n be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n unto_o all_o and_o if_o we_o will_v observe_v particular_n we_o shall_v perceive_v that_o among_o other_o thing_n by_o this_o way_n of_o strife_n and_o contradiction_n he_o have_v prevail_v chief_o in_o this_o that_o the_o very_o be_v of_o a_o orderly_a ministry_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o oppose_v most_o universal_o for_o to_o abolish_v the_o work_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ordinary_a ministry_n be_v that_o about_o which_o under_o several_a pretence_n all_o his_o agent_n on_o all_o hand_n be_v most_o earnest_o employ_v and_o by_o their_o mean_n all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o order_n and_o ordinance_n in_o the_o church_n be_v already_o unsettle_a and_o all_o the_o ground_n of_o authority_n in_o the_o state_n be_v almost_o quite_o overthrow_v for_o by_o and_o upon_o some_o principle_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v a_o new_a light_n it_o be_v free_a for_o every_o one_o to_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n without_o control_n or_o give_v account_n thereof_o unto_o any_o this_o licentious_a freedom_n do_v lead_v they_o that_o follow_v it_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o their_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o do_v confirm_v they_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o rail_v of_o bitterness_n of_o envy_n of_o contradiction_n and_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o oppose_v and_o censure_v other_o do_v increase_v strife_n and_o hatred_n and_o multiply_v scandal_n infinite_o all_o which_o bring_v forth_o the_o woe_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o for_o to_o rail_v and_o calumniate_v without_o shame_n be_v become_v the_o very_a trade_n of_o many_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_n leave_v almost_o either_o in_o church_n or_o commonwealth_n to_o redress_v the_o injury_n of_o this_o kind_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a all_o this_o break_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o godly_a stagger_v the_o weak_a glad_v the_o adversary_n open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o profaneness_n and_o cause_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o be_v blaspheme_v and_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v evil_a speak_v of_o in_o the_o world_n at_o which_o atheist_n and_o papist_n triumph_n and_o exult_v with_o joy_n expect_v in_o the_o end_n that_o the_o effect_n of_o all_o this_o will_v be_v the_o utter_a ruin_n and_o desolation_n of_o all_o protestant_n he_o that_o can_v see_v these_o evil_n to_o rise_v original_o from_o the_o misbehaviour_n of_o brethren_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n about_o their_o difference_n be_v whole_o blind_a he_o that_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o inconvenience_n thereof_o be_v senseless_a and_o he_o that_o can_v grieve_v for_o the_o same_o be_v harden_v in_o sinfulned_a now_o because_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n reach_v unto_o all_o the_o professor_n in_o some_o sort_n alike_o therefore_o every_o one_o though_o chief_o the_o minister_n as_o chief_a of_o the_o professor_n shall_v be_v move_v thereby_o to_o contribute_v their_o whole_a strength_n towards_o the_o speedy_a removal_n thereof_o but_o beside_o these_o common_a evil_n there_o be_v in_o this_o neglect_n whereof_o the_o ministry_n be_v most_o of_o all_o guilty_a something_o which_o do_v more_o especial_o reflect_v and_o that_o just_o upon_o themselves_o more_o than_o other_o ministry_n more_o especial_o upon_o the_o ministry_n and_o from_o they_o upon_o their_o ministerial_a function_n as_o tend_v to_o make_v void_a the_o authority_n and_o whole_o frustrate_v the_o end_n of_o their_o ordinary_a vocation_n for_o although_o personal_a fault_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v the_o vocation_n &_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o function_n yet_o because_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o all_o man_n to_o make_v a_o consequence_n from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v even_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o profession_n to_o behave_v themselves_o so_o as_o it_o may_v not_o suffer_v any_o disesteem_v for_o their_o sake_n for_o speak_v of_o servant_n profess_v christianity_n to_o titus_n and_o to_o timothy_n 2.10_o tit._n 2.10_o he_o will_v have_v they_o to_o show_v all_o good_a fidelity_n unto_o their_o master_n that_o they_o may_v adorn_v the_o dectrine_n of_o christ_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n 6._o 1_o tim._n 6._o and_o to_o honour_v their_o master_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o blaspheme_v through_o their_o misbehaviour_n if_o then_o christianity_n itself_o will_v suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o be_v discredit_v by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o mean_a that_o take_v the_o name_n thereof_o upon_o they_o how_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v discredit_v by_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o those_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o the_o profession_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v uphold_v in_o man_n opinion_n and_o affection_n if_o those_o to_o who_o the_o charge_n thereof_o be_v commit_v dishonour_v their_o administration_n and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v think_v to_o honour_v their_o administration_n if_o they_o walk_v not_o answerable_a unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o opposite_a unto_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a call_n than_o this_o very_a neglect_n of_o duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v at_o this_o time_n find_v guilty_a for_o the_o end_n use_v and_o effect_n of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n be_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n 13._o ephes_n 4_o 1â—_n 13._o to_o perfect_a the_o saint_n and_o to_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n but_o this_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v make_v void_a and_o this_o end_n frustrate_v as_o long_o as_o the_o minister_n maintain_v no_o brotherly_a communion_n one_o with_o another_o but_o stand_v at_o their_o distance_n and_o be_v single_a by_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o familiarity_n of_o concurrence_n about_o their_o master_n work_n even_o although_o he_o have_v therein_o strict_o command_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v for_o how_o can_v they_o reform_v other_o that_o be_v not_o reform_v themselves_o how_o can_v they_o be_v think_v fit_a to_o perfect_v the_o saint_n so_o long_o as_o they_o seek_v not_o one_o another_o perfection_n how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v to_o advance_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o profession_n of_o faith_n within_o themselves_o divide_o how_o can_v they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n be_v able_a joint_o to_o build_v up_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n who_o in_o that_o work_n maintain_v no_o communion_n one_o with_o another_o in_o reference_n unto_o his_o body_n but_o rather_o set_v themselves_o to_o make_v up_o every_o one_o a_o separate_a body_n for_o himself_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v all_o unto_o the_o
build_v up_o and_o confirm_v and_o increase_v the_o believer_n therein_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o by_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n among_o themselves_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o except_o they_o be_v first_o agree_v to_o hold_v forth_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o except_o there_o be_v some_o amiable_a concurrence_n among_o they_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n therefore_o as_o faith_n and_o love_n be_v inseparable_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o true_a christian_a so_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o unity_n be_v inseparable_o requisite_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o as_o there_o be_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n lie_v upon_o the_o ministry_n to_o bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n towards_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o for_o the_o save_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n so_o they_o be_v also_o no_o less_o necessitate_v to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o their_o unitle_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o their_o hearer_n for_o without_o this_o profession_n that_o manifestation_n will_v never_o in_o reason_n be_v find_v a_o truth_n fit_a to_o convict_v the_o world_n which_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v because_o as_o it_o be_v just_a that_o when_o witness_n do_v not_o agree_v their_o testimony_n shall_v not_o be_v receive_v so_o it_o be_v equitable_a that_o when_o they_o do_v agree_v their_o testimony_n shall_v not_o be_v reject_v and_o if_o by_o this_o only_a default_n they_o make_v their_o testimony_n without_o effect_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n and_o not_o to_o discredit_v it_o to_o uphold_v the_o ministry_n and_o not_o to_o make_v it_o contemptible_a to_o build_v up_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o ruin_v they_o and_o to_o confirm_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o professor_n and_o not_o to_o stagger_v they_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n among_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o all_o may_v see_v that_o be_v not_o blind_a and_o senseless_a that_o original_o nothing_o but_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n have_v deprive_v we_o of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o blessing_n and_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o yoke_n of_o all_o these_o misery_n upon_o all_o which_o this_o consequence_n do_v manifest_o follow_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o remnant_n which_o be_v leave_v entire_a to_o restore_v that_o which_o be_v not_o utter_o decay_v in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o help_v this_o distract_a state_n unto_o some_o settlement_n if_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v set_v themselves_o to_o concur_v and_o correspond_v together_o that_o they_o may_v hold_v forth_o unto_o the_o world_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o loveliness_n the_o peaceablenesse_n the_o meekness_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o the_o end_n that_o both_o they_o and_o their_o hearer_n may_v follow_v therein_o his_o footstep_n as_o he_o be_v go_v before_o we_o to_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n for_o this_o be_v a_o path_n of_o the_o new_a and_o the_o live_a way_n which_o he_o have_v consecrate_v for_o we_o and_o out_o of_o this_o way_n no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o the_o father_n it_o be_v therefore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o such_o as_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o holy_a become_v follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o christ_n also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o even_o our_o brother_n to_o gain_v we_o unto_o god_n chap._n fourteen_o concern_v the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n sect._n i._n what_o the_o communion_n and_o correspondency_n be_v wherein_o our_o unity_n be_v to_o be_v settle_v hitherto_o we_o have_v reflect_v upon_o that_o which_o do_v make_v the_o study_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n among_o we_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n of_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n now_o we_o shall_v reflect_v also_o upon_o the_o usefulness_n and_o commendablenesse_n of_o the_o duty_n in_o reference_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n it_o be_v no_o generous_a disposition_n to_o be_v draw_v by_o mere_a necessity_n and_o fear_n unto_o a_o duty_n but_o to_o be_v move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o loveliness_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v excellent_a therein_o be_v praiseworthy_a and_o argue_v a_o noble_a and_o virtuous_a inclination_n therefore_o we_o shall_v set_v ourselves_o to_o work_v upon_o this_o inclination_n and_o endeavour_v to_o waken_v it_o in_o every_o one_o that_o have_v ingenuity_n and_o my_o aim_n shall_v be_v rather_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o understanding_n of_o all_o able_a to_o consider_v of_o their_o way_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o which_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n then_o with_o the_o affection_n of_o any_o to_o persuade_v they_o unto_o a_o performance_n before_o they_o be_v convict_v of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n therein_o for_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o minister_n and_o such_o as_o i_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v conscionable_a and_o to_o those_o i_o know_v nothing_o so_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v as_o to_o evidence_n unto_o they_o that_o a_o matter_n be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o nothing_o but_o this_o do_v interest_n conscience_n into_o action_n now_o lest_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v in_o that_o which_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o offer_v as_o a_o duty_n of_o the_o ministry_n i_o shall_v contract_v all_o which_o for_o the_o present_a i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o one_o assertion_n which_o have_v open_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o assertion_n be_v this_o that_o although_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n of_o any_o enemy_n 12._o act._n 20.28_o 29_o 30._o phil._n 1.27_o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o 11_o 12._o or_o of_o inward_a breach_n and_o division_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o prevent_n of_o which_o to_o study_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o whole_o necessary_a yet_o that_o for_o the_o true_a 1_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o duty_n 2_o of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a 3_o nothing_o more_o profitable_a 4_o nothing_o more_o commendable_a 5_o and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 6_o and_o the_o perfect_a 7_o of_o the_o saint_n then_o to_o 8_o maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n 9_o and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o lay_v not_o this_o duty_n to_o heart_n but_o love_v rather_o to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o 10_o themselves_z and_o to_o maintain_v the_o principle_n 11_o of_o a_o singular_a distance_n from_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o minnistery_n will_v not_o be_v able_a in_o the_o end_n to_o approve_v their_o conscience_n unto_o god_n that_o they_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v this_o assertion_n be_v somewhat_o large_a therefore_o to_o open_v the_o part_n thereof_o that_o my_o meaning_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v i_o shall_v say_v of_o the_o several_a head_n thereof_o thus_o 1_o that_o by_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mean_v none_o but_o such_o person_n as_o be_v authorize_v by_o a_o ordinary_a and_o regular_a way_n of_o call_v to_o administer_v the_o public_a ordinance_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o church_n 2_o that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n be_v mean_v the_o work_n which_o in_o and_o towards_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v as_o a_o office_n and_o such_o be_v to_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o gather_v and_o constitute_v the_o church_n to_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o saint_n commit_v to_o their_o charge_n as_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n to_o dispense_v the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o those_o that_o belong_v unto_o it_o and_o to_o exercise_v church_n discipline_n over_o those_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o all_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o attend_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n do_v require_v 3_o that_o when_o i_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v conscionable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n in_o his_o word_n as_o a_o duty_n which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o contract_n of_o guilt_n unto_o the_o conscience_n 4_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v profitable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o do_v yield_v in_o its_o own_o kind_a some_o benefit_n to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o 5_o when_o i_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v commendable_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v quality_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v and_o
spiritual_a aim_n of_o christ_n walk_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o he_o can_v engage_v they_o into_o worldly_a design_n to_o advance_v the_o same_o in_o a_o worldly_a way_n he_o have_v get_v they_o clear_o within_o his_o reach_n where_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a first_o to_o cause_v they_o utter_o forget_v and_o lay_v aside_o the_o aim_n of_o their_o spiritual_a call_n second_o to_o allure_v they_o unto_o and_o affect_v they_o with_o the_o appearance_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o dominion_n three_o to_o act_v they_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o outward_a fear_n and_o hope_n to_o that_o which_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o when_o he_o have_v once_o get_v they_o thus_o far_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o snare_n he_o will_v be_v able_a without_o resistance_n to_o carry_v they_o headlong_o among_o themselves_o to_o more_o and_o more_o uncharitableness_n and_o unconscionablenesse_n of_o conversation_n whereby_o breach_n will_v be_v multiply_v and_o make_v irreconciliable_a for_o although_o a_o difference_n arise_v but_o from_o a_o very_a small_a and_o circumstantial_a matter_n among_o they_o as_o it_o do_v natural_o fall_v out_o among_o other_o man_n yet_o satan_n aim_v at_o they_o above_o all_o other_o to_o get_v advantage_n against_o they_o if_o he_o do_v find_v they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n either_o without_o brotherly_a and_o charitable_a affection_n or_o incline_v to_o please_v themselves_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o work_v upon_o they_o first_o jealousy_n and_o by_o jealousy_n mistake_v and_o by_o mistake_v a_o distance_n and_o strangeness_n by_o reason_n of_o worldly_a aim_n different_o carry_v on_o and_o when_o plot_n and_o passion_n be_v come_v to_o some_o maturity_n cross_a course_n and_o mutual_a provocation_n will_v be_v set_v on_o foot_n real_a injury_n will_v be_v offer_v complaint_n and_o clamour_n will_v break_v forth_o which_o in_o continuance_n make_v the_o division_n of_o heart_n past_o all_o remedy_n and_o 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against_o many_o man_n that_o be_v otherwise_o godly_a and_o able_a but_o be_v not_o sufficient_o aware_a of_o his_o wile_n by_o which_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o their_o own_o and_o ensnare_v in_o his_o way_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o hand_n be_v weaken_v in_o their_o work_n he_o gain_v his_o end_n at_o least_o indirect_o by_o their_o infirmity_n and_o miscarriage_n therefore_o all_o such_o as_o be_v conscionable_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o frailty_n and_o of_o those_o danger_n shall_v be_v waken_v from_o security_n to_o become_v watchful_a over_o their_o own_o soul_n in_o these_o time_n of_o temptation_n for_o among_o the_o protestant_a church_n where_o with_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o christian_a liberty_n be_v beget_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o professor_n satan_n have_v none_o other_o way_n to_o fit_a to_o erect_v his_o kingdom_n as_o this_o be_v of_o divide_v the_o minister_n for_o which_o cause_n as_o we_o see_v their_o division_n daily_o increase_v so_o the_o remedy_n shall_v be_v the_o more_o earnest_o think_v upon_o and_o offeree_v with_o freedom_n and_o tenderness_n unto_o all_o indifferent_o but_o chief_o to_o those_o who_o be_v near_a in_o principle_n and_o have_v least_o cause_n to_o walk_v asunder_o and_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n ministry_n the_o remedy_n against_o satan_n way_n of_o corrupt_v the_o ministry_n these_o remedy_n can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o the_o help_n to_o holy_a communion_n among_o minister_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o spiritual_a aim_n tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n be_v their_o strength_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o grace_n without_o worldly_a wisdom_n in_o their_o walk_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o invincible_a but_o even_o irresistible_a because_o the_o power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n which_o be_v a_o two-edged_a sword_n and_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o leave_v when_o they_o be_v handle_v in_o sincerity_n without_o all_o mixture_n of_o humane_a policy_n will_v be_v prevalent_a to_o make_v they_o triumph_v in_o christ_n 2.14_o 2_o cor._n 2.14_o and_o to_o cause_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v in_o due_a time_n before_o they_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n power_n which_o we_o hope_v be_v approach_v all_o the_o strong_a hold_n of_o satan_n may_v be_v surrender_v unto_o he_o this_o ensue_a discourse_n then_o concern_v unity_n and_o forbearance_n to_o show_v the_o ground_n paper_n the_o end_n of_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o put_v it_o to_o paper_n term_n and_o motive_n thereof_o be_v by_o i_o conceive_v as_o a_o propesall_n of_o matter_n belong_v proper_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o orthodox_n minister_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o dissent_v only_o from_o each_o other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o government_n that_o if_o our_o private_a or_o public_a conference_n have_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v begin_v in_o simplicity_n the_o head_n thereof_o may_v have_v be_v a_o subject_n of_o further_a deliberation_n among_o we_o for_o to_o that_o effect_n they_o be_v put_v to_o paper_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o some_o but_o see_v the_o motion_n tend_v to_o a_o reconcilement_n of_o our_o religious_a difference_n seem_v to_o be_v obstruct_v so_o that_o there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o hope_n to_o gain_v any_o further_a meeting_n and_o conference_n in_o this_o kind_n and_o for_o this_o aim_n therefore_o i_o have_v enlarge_v they_o a_o little_a and_o alter_v the_o frame_n thereof_o somewhat_o same_o and_o of_o enlarge_n and_o publish_v the_o same_o and_o now_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o you_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o god_n shall_v direct_v you_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o for_o whether_o the_o obstruction_n of_o these_o thought_n of_o reconcilement_n arise_v from_o the_o unwillingness_n of_o some_o who_o perhaps_o think_v it_o not_o wisdom_n to_o venture_v their_o pain_n in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o from_o the_o state_n contrivement_n or_o preingagement_n and_o combination_n of_o other_o who_o by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n think_v themselves_o strong_a enough_o to_o gain_v their_o own_o desire_n another_o way_n whether_o i_o say_v from_o any_o or_o from_o all_o of_o those_o cause_n the_o obstruction_n do_v arise_v it_o be_v to_o i_o a_o matter_n of_o no_o discouragement_n but_o rather_o a_o occasion_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o appear_v so_o as_o i_o be_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o before_o man_n without_o all_o pretence_n to_o wisdom_n strength_n and_o authority_n that_o so_o far_o as_o those_o motion_n shall_v be_v find_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o wisdom_n strength_n and_o authority_n be_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n in_o perform_v their_o duty_n they_o may_v be_v entertain_v with_o singleness_n of_o heart_n and_o if_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o have_v free_v our_o spirit_n from_o the_o bondage_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a matter_n and_o have_v give_v ourselves_o up_o to_o walk_v open_o by_o know_a and_o undeniable_a rule_n and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o unprejudicate_a love_n to_o be_v without_o offence_n towards_o all_o shall_v but_o resolve_v upon_o this_o provocation_n to_o lay_v the_o matter_n of_o duty_n represent_v therein_o more_o serious_o to_o heart_n then_o hitherto_o we_o have_v do_v and_o to_o ripen_v further_a thought_n concern_v the_o same_o who_o know_v what_o god_n may_v work_v thereby_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o blow_v upon_o the_o dead_a bone_n of_o our_o scatter_a affection_n from_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o communion_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o concurrence_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o rule_n which_o
shall_v relate_v to_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o will_n and_o if_o any_o such_o spirit_n of_o life_n be_v breathe_v but_o in_o a_o few_o of_o we_o we_o may_v hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v without_o effect_n towards_o other_o but_o that_o some_o resolution_n may_v ensue_v which_o god_n will_v bless_v with_o successefulnesse_n in_o the_o prosecution_n however_o i_o be_o resolve_v without_o all_o appearance_n of_o success_n to_o cast_v this_o bread_n upon_o the_o water_n and_o commend_v myself_o unto_o his_o providence_n leave_v these_o paper_n to_o you_o to_o be_v dispose_v of_o as_o you_o shall_v think_v fit_a in_o your_o discretion_n which_o with_o yourself_o be_v recommend_v to_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o your_o faithful_a friend_n and_o servant_n in_o christ_n john_n durie_n write_a this_o 8_o of_o may_n 1648._o a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o ground_n term_n and_o motive_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n ought_v to_o profess_v and_o practice_v one_o towards_o another_o for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n show_v the_o scope_n and_o matter_n of_o the_o discourse_n although_o the_o case_n be_v doleful_a and_o high_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o there_o be_v no_o where_n in_o the_o world_n so_o much_o strife_n and_o division_n apparent_a as_o among_o those_o that_o be_v name_v christian_n nor_o that_o among_o any_o christian_n great_a animosity_n do_v break_v forth_o then_o sometime_o among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n in_o itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o everlasting_a peace_n that_o therein_o christ_n be_v reveal_v to_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n that_o none_o but_o his_o follower_n be_v capable_a of_o peace_n and_o unity_n with_o god_n and_o that_o among_o man_n the_o true_a direction_n to_o live_v in_o love_n and_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o his_o kingdom_n which_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v notwithstanding_o all_o these_o division_n that_o none_o shall_v more_o willing_o undertake_v nor_o can_v more_o profitable_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n for_o the_o composure_n of_o difference_n and_o end_n of_o strife_n among_o man_n than_o they_o who_o god_n have_v call_v to_o be_v preacher_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o peace_n and_o see_v all_o they_o to_o who_o this_o covenant_n be_v tender_v and_o by_o who_o it_o be_v receive_v through_o faith_n be_v bind_v to_o live_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o love_n as_o be_v all_o one_o in_o christ_n and_o confederate_n one_o to_o another_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o covenant_n therefore_o i_o shall_v offer_v myself_o in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heavenly_a call_n as_o one_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v and_o to_o who_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o peace_n be_v commit_v unto_o those_o that_o be_v my_o brethren_n in_o the_o same_o ministry_n humble_o entreat_v they_o all_o but_o chief_o such_o as_o be_v most_o conscionable_o wise_a in_o look_v rather_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n then_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o party_n among_o man_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v with_o i_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o unity_n and_o forbearance_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o mind_n among_o themselves_o and_o acquaint_v their_o hearer_n withal_o these_o three_o assertion_n first_o that_o the_o ground_n wherefore_o they_o ought_v to_o profess_v and_o practice_v unity_n and_o forbearance_n one_o towards_o another_o be_v the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n second_o that_o the_o term_n of_o unity_n whereunto_o they_o have_v already_o attain_v be_v full_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o forbearance_n which_o they_o shall_v intend_v to_o practice_v be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o settle_v among_o they_o three_o that_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v induce_v they_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n profession_n practice_n and_o setlement_n thereof_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o unavoidable_a necessity_n and_o the_o high_a relation_n unto_o duty_n can_v make_v they_o and_o to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o assertion_n i_o shall_v with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v declare_v my_o sense_n thereof_o distinct_o and_o plain_o without_o any_o great_a inlargement_n as_o intend_v chief_o to_o speak_v to_o man_n of_o understanding_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o first_o assertion_n concern_v the_o law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n what_o it_o be_v and_o whereunto_o it_o bind_v we_o the_o undeniable_a law_n of_o christian_a brotherhood_n be_v this_o that_o all_o such_o who_o be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o same_o womb_n of_o the_o free_a woman_n the_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o be_v child_n of_o god_n and_o true_o brethren_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o in_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o to_o be_v brethren_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v now_o so_o it_o be_v that_o such_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o godly_a minister_n in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a father_n by_o the_o same_o word_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o same_o womb_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o in_o all_o the_o chief_a act_n of_o their_o religious_a profession_n have_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o therefore_o it_o follow_v undeniable_o that_o they_o be_v true_o brethren_n one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o acknowledge_v each_o other_o to_o be_v brethren_n and_o as_o brethren_n to_o walk_v together_o in_o holy_a communion_n for_o the_o administration_n and_o observation_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v and_o to_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o that_o whereunto_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v and_o lest_o any_o shall_v make_v a_o doubt_n of_o this_o truth_n the_o first_o proposition_n express_v the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n shall_v be_v show_v from_o clear_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o second_o contain_v a_o application_n thereof_o unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v verify_v of_o they_o by_o a_o more_o special_a deduction_n of_o the_o particular_n express_v therein_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o the_o law_n of_o brotherhood_n be_v clear_o manifest_v be_v among_o many_o other_o these_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n matth._n 23.8_o all_o you_o namely_o my_o disciple_n be_v brethren_n rom._n 8.29_o who_o he_o viz._n the_o father_n do_v foreknow_v he_o also_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first_o bear_v among_o many_o brethren_n ergo_fw-la they_o be_v make_v all_o brethren_n unto_o christ_n and_o so_o brethren_n to_o each_o other_o jam._n 1.18_o of_o his_o own_o will_n he_o viz._n the_o father_n beget_v we_o viz._n believer_n by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n ergo_fw-la they_o all_o be_v child_n of_o the_o same_o father_n and_o beget_v of_o the_o same_o seed_n be_v brethren_n to_o each_o other_o job_n 1.12_o as_o many_o as_o receive_v he_o viz._n christ_n to_o they_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n even_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n ergo_fw-la those_o that_o receive_v christ_n the_o same_o way_n be_v alike_o son_n of_o god_n and_o a_o like_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2.12_o i_o will_v declare_v say_v christ_n thy_o name_n unto_o my_o brethren_n ergo_fw-la if_o christ_n do_v own_o believer_n before_o god_n as_o his_o brethren_n shall_v they_o not_o own_o one_o another_o as_o such_o 1_o cor._n 12.13_o by_o one_o spirit_n we_o be_v all_o baptise_a into_o one_o body_n ergo_fw-la those_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o same_o spirit_n
christ_n in_o his_o prayer_n unto_o the_o father_n where_o he_o desire_v that_o all_o believer_n may_v be_v make_v perfect_a in_o one_o john_n 17.23_o and_o if_o all_o believer_n than_o all_o congregation_n of_o believer_n 5._o if_o several_a congregation_n may_v not_o intend_v to_o stand_v as_o by_o themselves_o and_o walk_v as_o separate_v from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o administration_n of_o christ_n ordinance_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v by_o a_o common_a rule_n and_o be_v to_o profess_v before_o the_o world_n in_o public_a as_o one_o body_n in_o christ_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v clear_o that_o it_o be_v far_o less_o lawful_a unto_o they_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o matter_n tend_v to_o mutual_a edification_n in_o ordinary_a or_o in_o extraordinary_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o common_a and_o necessary_a concernment_n to_o stand_v and_o walk_v by_o themselves_o alone_o without_o a_o due_a respect_n unto_o their_o brethren_n and_o some_o tie_n of_o association_n towards_o their_o neighbour_n congregation_n so_o that_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o undeniable_a principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o brotherly_a association_n in_o church_n that_o nothing_o which_o with_o conveniency_n and_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o or_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o other_o therein_o can_v be_v do_v united_o and_o joint_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v divide_o and_o separately_z for_o when_o christ_n do_v pray_v for_o a_o perfect_a union_n of_o all_o believer_n which_o may_v work_v upon_o the_o world_n a_o belief_n that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o 17.23_o joh._n 17.23_o i_o can_v conceive_v that_o he_o do_v mean_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o such_o a_o association_n which_o may_v reach_v unto_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o the_o visible_a administration_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o ordinance_n belong_v to_o his_o kingdom_n for_o nothing_o but_o such_o a_o union_n profess_o maintain_v in_o his_o name_n be_v able_a to_o convince_v the_o world_n final_o that_o he_o be_v come_v from_o the_o father_n thus_o far_o then_o or_o rather_o thus_o near_o the_o congregation_n ought_v to_o be_v associate_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o will_v be_v effect_v in_o due_a time_n be_v certain_a because_o christ_n have_v pray_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o name_n unto_o the_o world_n and_o the_o father_n can_v deny_v he_o this_o request_n hitherto_o i_o have_v insist_v upon_o that_o which_o i_o conceive_v be_v or_o will_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o all_o upon_o the_o undeniable_a ground_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n now_o i_o shall_v offer_v the_o other_o proposition_n which_o for_o a_o more_o part_n cular_a accommodation_n of_o difference_n have_v be_v assent_v unto_o elsewhere_o unto_o see_v also_o the_o paper_n of_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n give_v to_o the_o committee_n for_o accommodation_n late_o publish_v pag._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o &_o p_o 29._o 30_o 31._o and_o elsewhere_o and_o be_v agree_v upon_o by_o some_o lead_a man_n of_o both_o side_n as_o follow_v 6._o all_o professor_n whether_o single_a or_o in_o a_o body_n be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o way_n to_o their_o brethren_n or_o to_o any_o that_o shall_v require_v it_o of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o arbitrary_o but_o as_o a_o duty_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v observe_v mr._n burrough_n irenicum_fw-la pag._n 43._o 7._o concern_v the_o admission_n of_o member_n which_o come_v from_o one_o congregation_n into_o another_o to_o be_v thereunto_o distinct_o associate_v because_o this_o do_v reflect_v common_o upon_o some_o particular_a interest_n of_o man_n wherein_o the_o rule_n of_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o therefore_o offence_n be_v frequent_o give_v and_o take_v up_o in_o this_o matter_n which_o to_o prevent_v these_o agreement_n have_v be_v offer_v as_o a_o remedy_n thereunto_o 1_o that_o no_o congregation_n shall_v be_v gather_v and_o make_v up_o of_o the_o member_n of_o other_o settle_a congregation_n except_o they_o be_v in_o a_o orderly_a way_n dismiss_v by_o these_o with_o who_o they_o be_v associate_v 2_o that_o no_o member_n come_v from_o another_o church_n with_o which_o we_o be_v in_o brotherly_a communion_n shall_v be_v admit_v to_o become_v a_o distinct_a member_n of_o our_o society_n till_o the_o church_n from_o which_o he_o come_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o his_o purpose_n to_o associate_v with_o we_o 3._o that_o none_o who_o be_v say_v to_o belong_v to_o that_o neighbourhood_n or_o association_n which_o be_v call_v a_o parish_n though_o he_o do_v not_o profess_v himself_o a_o member_n in_o that_o way_n shall_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o member_n of_o any_o distinct_a congregation_n until_o the_o officer_n thereof_o have_v inquire_v concern_v his_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o that_o be_v ruler_n of_o the_o say_a neighbourhood_n and_o of_o the_o congregation_n near_o unto_o his_o habitation_n to_o who_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o may_v have_v have_v some_o relation_n or_o which_o may_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o his_o way_n and_o profession_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a mystery_n and_o original_a cause_n of_o our_o manifold_a division_n do_v lie_v in_o this_o outward_a circumstantial_a manner_n of_o the_o association_n of_o member_n into_o a_o congregation_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v partly_o because_o man_n natural_o seek_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o some_o humour_n of_o their_o own_o then_o to_o edify_v other_o partly_o because_o the_o true_a use_n of_o christian_a liberty_n and_o the_o relation_n wherein_o all_o true_a professor_n stand_v one_o to_o another_o in_o christ_n be_v either_o not_o understand_v or_o not_o mind_v in_o comparison_n of_o some_o circumstantial_o of_o our_o own_o coin_n to_o ourselves_o upon_o any_o one_o of_o which_o we_o use_v to_o lay_v more_o weight_n then_o upon_o all_o the_o fundamental_n of_o christ_n appointment_n and_o till_o his_o grace_n and_o good_a spirit_n discover_v and_o work_v out_o this_o self_n please_v humour_n we_o can_v hope_v for_o peace_n and_o unity_n almost_o in_o any_o thing_n although_o our_o agreement_n be_v never_o so_o fundamental_a in_o all_o thing_n sect._n iu._n of_o the_o officer_n and_o ruler_n of_o several_a congregation_n and_o their_o association_n the_o officer_n of_o every_o congregation_n be_v under_o a_o twofold_a relation_n of_o unity_n to_o each_o other_o first_o as_o they_o be_v professor_n second_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n that_o be_v special_o entrust_v with_o a_o charge_n in_o the_o profession_n as_o they_o be_v professor_n they_o be_v near_o in_o brotherhood_n then_o as_o they_o be_v officer_n for_o their_o profession_n do_v give_v they_o a_o immediate_a interest_n into_o christ_n and_o to_o one_o another_o in_o he_o but_o their_o office_n do_v give_v they_o no_o interest_n either_o in_o he_o or_o in_o each_o other_o further_o than_o they_o be_v true_a to_o the_o profession_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o except_o they_o be_v associate_v in_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v be_v associate_v in_o the_o ministry_n thereof_o it_o follow_v also_o further_o that_o the_o relation_n wherein_o they_o stand_v to_o each_o other_o as_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o their_o brotherhood_n all_o the_o other_o relation_n which_o be_v ministerial_a must_v yield_v and_o be_v subordinate_a thereunto_o so_o that_o all_o the_o bond_n which_o may_v settle_v their_o association_n in_o the_o ministry_n must_v be_v intend_v no_o further_o than_o they_o serve_v to_o advance_v and_o confirm_v the_o brotherhood_n and_o association_n which_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o if_o any_o combination_n of_o minister_n be_v frame_v otherwise_o or_o to_o any_o other_o end_n then_o to_o strengthen_v the_o fundamental_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o fruit_n of_o true_a christianity_n in_o holiness_n and_o love_n it_o will_v beget_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o papacy_n because_o the_o root_n of_o the_o papal_a hierarchy_n and_o the_o foundation_n whereupon_o that_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v raise_v in_o the_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o aim_n of_o a_o association_n of_o church_n officer_n subordinate_v the_o profession_n to_o their_o place_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o fundamental_o of_o truth_n to_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o other_o for_o it_o may_v be_v evidence_v that_o all_o the_o superstitious_a device_n and_o politic_a practice_n of_o popery_n to_o blind_a man_n and_o by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o subjection_n resolve_v themselves_o at_o last_o into_o this_o principle_n and_o aim_n of_o set_v up_o themselves_o above_o christianity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n therefore_o
it_o can_v be_v deni_fw-la d_o that_o they_o spring_v original_o from_o hence_o see_v every_o thing_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o whereof_o it_o be_v first_o beget_v from_o all_o which_o i_o draw_v this_o conclusion_n in_o brief_a that_o all_o association_n of_o church-officer_n or_o of_o any_o other_o public_a officer_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o who_o subordinate_a not_o themselves_o and_o the_o interest_n which_o they_o have_v in_o each_o other_o by_o their_o office_n and_o by_o their_o association_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o christianity_n to_o exalt_v the_o unity_n thereof_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v see_v above_o all_o therein_o but_o seek_v to_o make_v the_o way_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o association_n of_o christian_n subordinate_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o place_n above_o other_o be_v papal_a and_o antichristian_a let_v then_o all_o party_n look_v to_o their_o aim_n in_o their_o association_n whether_o they_o be_v call_v independent_a or_o presbyterial_a association_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v settle_v upon_o episcopal_a or_o erastian_n principle_n and_o let_v all_o magistrate_n look_v to_o their_o interest_n and_o way_n of_o prosecute_a the_o same_o by_o their_o association_n whether_o they_o be_v democraticall_a aristocratical_a parliamentary_a or_o monarchical_a whatsoever_o their_o character_n frame_n or_o model_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o circumstantial_o which_o be_v all_o that_o ordinary_o man_n as_o man_n look_v after_o let_v i_o say_v all_o these_o officer_n of_o each_o kind_n or_o such_o as_o out_o of_o the_o mix_a multitude_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o do_v thrust_v themselves_o into_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o profit_n and_o seek_v to_o strengthen_v themselves_o by_o combination_n of_o their_o own_o frame_n i_o say_v again_o let_v all_o these_o look_v well_o to_o it_o every_o one_o in_o his_o particular_a association_n if_o their_o whole_a aim_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o society_n be_v not_o to_o subordinate_a themselves_o and_o their_o combination_n and_o confederacy_n to_o the_o set_n up_o of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v essential_a unto_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o alone_o shall_v last_v eternal_o they_o shall_v be_v utter_o break_v to_o piece_n without_o all_o remedy_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n can_v fail_v isa_n 8_o 9_o 10._o which_o say_v associate_n yourselves_o you_o people_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n gird_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n take_v counsel_n together_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o nought_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o it_o shall_v not_o stand_v for_o god_n be_v with_o we_o here_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o church_n do_v provoke_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o bid_v the_o people_n thereof_o a_o defiance_n that_o though_o they_o join_v all_o in_o one_o and_o gird_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o strength_n and_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n be_v bring_v to_o full_a maturity_n yet_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o effect_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n in_o their_o association_n and_o disappoint_v in_o their_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n because_o god_n be_v with_o his_o church_n as_o the_o head_n of_o their_o association_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v blow_n upon_o all_o the_o design_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o subordinate_a unto_o god_n for_o wherein_o man_n be_v not_o subordinate_a they_o be_v opposite_a unto_o he_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o be_v strong_a than_o his_o opposite_n and_o if_o the_o question_n be_v make_v concern_v the_o church_n and_o those_o that_o belong_v thereunto_o what_o their_o duty_n be_v in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o fear_v when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v provide_v for_o their_o safety_n with_o confederacy_n strength_n and_o counsel_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o question_n be_v make_v the_o answer_n will_v be_v find_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n of_o the_o prophet_n from_o vers_fw-la 11._o till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n whereof_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n first_o that_o they_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o they_o be_v draw_v and_o engage_v into_o worldly_a confederacy_n for_o humane_a fear_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v sanctify_v god_n alone_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o make_v he_o their_o fear_n vers_fw-la 11_o 12_o 13._o because_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v to_o all_o those_o that_o do_v so_o a_o sanctuary_n but_o to_o other_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n vers_fw-la 14_o 15._o second_o that_o they_o shall_v bind_v up_o the_o testimony_n and_o seal_v the_o law_n among_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o who_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n for_o these_o be_v his_o disciple_n shall_v make_v the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n the_o only_a bond_n of_o their_o unity_n and_o that_o the_o seal_n of_o this_o bond_n shall_v be_v their_o obedientiall_a submission_n unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 16._o three_o that_o they_o shall_v arm_v themselves_o with_o patience_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o with_o resolution_n to_o appear_v before_o he_o although_o the_o world_n do_v wonder_n at_o they_o vers_n 17.18_o four_o and_o last_o when_o in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n man_n shall_v be_v destitute_a of_o counsel_n and_o not_o know_v what_o to_o do_v then_o to_o consult_v only_o with_o the_o law_n and_o the_o testimony_n and_o not_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o any_o other_o oracle_n vers_fw-la 19_o 20._o and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o follow_v this_o advice_n shall_v be_v drive_v into_o utter_a despair_n vers_fw-la 21_o 22._o thus_o we_o see_v what_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v humane_a association_n what_o the_o issue_n thereof_o will_v be_v and_o what_o the_o way_n be_v to_o preserve_v our_o soul_n from_o that_o despair_n which_o do_v attend_v those_o that_o forsake_v god_n and_o subordinate_a not_o their_o counsel_n and_o association_n to_o his_o will_n this_o than_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o take_v this_o warning_n whether_o we_o be_v professor_n or_o officer_n but_o chief_o this_o must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o ministerial_a association_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o charge_n to_o make_v use_n thereof_o only_o for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o holy_a communion_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o although_o i_o can_v say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o among_o the_o combination_n which_o now_o be_v on_o foot_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o these_o ground_n will_v be_v assent_v unto_o by_o all_o that_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o that_o their_o practice_n may_v be_v answerable_a thereunto_o i_o shall_v offer_v that_o whereunto_o both_o side_n do_v agree_v and_o which_o without_o contradiction_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o enter_v they_o upon_o a_o ministerial_a correspondency_n both_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a brotherhood_n in_o christianity_n among_o themselves_o as_o also_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o flock_n from_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o to_o these_o two_o head_n the_o matter_n of_o agreement_n in_o the_o point_n of_o association_n may_v be_v refer_v of_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o proposition_n 1_o the_o officer_n of_o sister_n church_n make_v profession_n of_o their_o brotherhood_n in_o christ_n shall_v desire_v to_o advance_v each_o other_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n shall_v have_v frequent_a meeting_n for_o brotherly_a conference_n 2_o cor._n 13.9_o malach._n 3.16_o 2_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o meeting_n and_o conference_n shall_v be_v to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereunto_o they_o have_v attain_v to_o make_v it_o more_o complete_a in_o love_n and_o to_o gain_v other_o to_o concur_v with_o they_o by_o the_o truth_n therein_o 3_o they_o shall_v for_o these_o end_n set_v themselves_o in_o a_o way_n to_o make_v their_o conference_n effectual_o conscionable_a constant_a without_o interruption_n and_o disorderlinesse_n which_o way_n may_v be_v settle_v upon_o these_o ground_n first_o upon_o a_o voluntary_a engagement_n free_o enter_v into_o which_o shall_v contain_v these_o head_n that_o see_v they_o acknowledge_v one_o another_o fellow-member_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o fellow-servant_n of_o the_o same_o master_n in_o the_o same_o household_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o will_n that_o therefore_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v to_o each_o other_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o fellowship_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n 11._o gal._n 2._o ver_fw-la 1_o 11._o that_o they_o will_v entertain_v brotherly_a meeting_n and_o conference_n to_o that_o end_n and_o that_o they_o will_v never_o
in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n shall_v lay_v to_o heart_n the_o woeful_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o land_n will_v perceive_v that_o among_o the_o manifold_a cause_n of_o our_o miserable_a breach_n and_o sinful_a distraction_n misery_n the_o cause_n of_o all_o one_o misery_n the_o original_n and_o consequent_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o that_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v brethren_n and_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o same_o employment_n do_v not_o maintain_v those_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n which_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o work_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o master_n be_v make_v necessary_a for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o for_o their_o own_o mutual_a edification_n for_o see_v by_o that_o which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o show_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o stand_v together_o and_o look_v upon_o each_o other_o as_o brethren_n beget_v of_o the_o same_o father_n as_o fellow-soldier_n in_o the_o same_o fight_n and_o warfare_n and_o as_o fellow-member_n in_o the_o same_o body_n of_o christ_n see_v i_o say_v this_o be_v confess_v and_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v also_o undeniable_o that_o they_o ought_v in_o conscience_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n belong_v to_o these_o relation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o to_o profess_v a_o brotherhood_n but_o to_o be_v knit_v together_o in_o fervent_a love_n to_o have_v the_o same_o care_n one_o for_o another_o and_o joint_o to_o communicate_v in_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o these_o duty_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o relation_n be_v neither_o real_o think_v upon_o nor_o at_o all_o prosecure_v to_o any_o purpose_n almost_o by_o any_o be_v no_o less_o undeniable_a and_o must_v needs_o although_o to_o our_o great_a shame_n be_v plain_o and_o ingenuous_o confess_v see_v then_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o their_o fault_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o apparent_a that_o no_o colour_n of_o excuse_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o extenuate_v it_o therefore_o the_o judgement_n be_v ripe_a for_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n have_v now_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n most_o just_o overtake_v they_o for_o whereas_o they_o be_v late_o in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v as_o happy_a within_o themselves_o and_o as_o profitable_a to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n abroad_o as_o any_o of_o all_o the_o minister_n on_o earth_n if_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o their_o unity_n now_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o unsettle_a and_o more_o miserable_a within_o themselves_o and_o less_o respect_v by_o other_o and_o less_o useful_a both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o towards_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n than_o any_o that_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o all_o the_o church_n &_o this_o only_a because_o they_o have_v suffer_v themselves_o in_o their_o profession_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o have_v not_o regard_v nor_o do_v they_o yet_o regard_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o christian_a brotherhood_n so_o much_o as_o outward_a concernment_n ministry_n the_o guilt_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o covenant_n and_o be_v become_v partial_a in_o the_o law_n and_o cause_v many_o to_o stumble_v at_o the_o law_n 9_o mal._n 2.8_o 9_o and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v they_o contemptible_a and_o cause_v all_o their_o adversary_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o so_o that_o they_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o give_v glory_n unto_o he_o to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o their_o mouth_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o guiltiness_n and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o transgression_n 3._o ephe._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o for_o if_o the_o very_a vocation_n wherewith_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v unto_o god_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n one_o with_o another_o far_o more_o do_v it_o oblige_v the_o minister_n to_o intend_v before_o other_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a duty_n in_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v and_o if_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o god_n appointment_n fit_o join_v together_o and_o aught_o to_o be_v compact_v in_o their_o station_n to_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n supply_v than_o it_o must_v needs_o also_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o chief_a joint_n of_o these_o member_n be_v more_o especial_o appoint_v by_o god_n and_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v unite_v in_o their_o relation_n and_o compact_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministerial_a employment_n but_o how_o far_o they_o be_v not_o only_o distant_a from_o this_o conjunction_n but_o have_v even_o a_o aversion_n unto_o it_o i_o need_v not_o at_o all_o to_o mention_v the_o thing_n be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n at_o noon_n day_n nor_o shall_v i_o search_v at_o who_o door_n the_o fault_n do_v principal_o lie_v whether_o here_o or_o there_o for_o i_o know_v that_o every_o one_o will_v justify_v his_o own_o proceed_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v free_o say_v and_o i_o say_v it_o with_o grief_n of_o heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v without_o offence_n to_o either_o side_n that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n that_o at_o this_o time_n when_o a_o concurrence_n of_o affection_n and_o of_o endeavour_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o very_a fundamental_o thereof_o guilt_n the_o sinful_a misery_n follow_v upon_o this_o guilt_n and_o when_o we_o all_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o fight_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n as_o it_o be_v for_o our_o life_n that_o i_o say_v at_o this_o time_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o animositie_n prevail_v and_o so_o small_a a_o sense_n of_o christianity_n in_o common_a duty_n and_o of_o imminent_a danger_n find_v in_o man_n heart_n that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o move_v any_o to_o compassionate_v one_o another_o calamity_n far_o less_o to_o draw_v any_o to_o rise_v up_o and_o stand_v unite_v for_o each_o other_o conservation_n that_o i_o say_v again_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o at_o such_o a_o time_n this_o be_v the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o nation_n for_o where_o be_v the_o man_n to_o be_v find_v that_o do_v true_o mourn_v and_o not_o rejoice_v rather_o at_o his_o opposite_n party_n fail_n and_o miscarriage_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v not_o rejoice_v at_o iniquity_n where_o be_v he_o that_o do_v seek_v to_o heal_v breach_n upon_o common_a principle_n and_o without_o a_o particular_a interest_n 13.5_o 1_o cor._n 13.6_o 1_o cor._n 13.5_o and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o charity_n do_v not_o seek_v itself_o and_o who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v blow_v a_o portrait_n from_o the_o battle_n and_o seek_v for_o a_o cessation_n from_o needless_a and_o injurious_a controversy_n who_o be_v he_o that_o do_v endeavour_v a_o through_o and_o unprejudicate_v reconciliation_n and_o who_o dare_v own_o a_o treaty_n for_o mutual_a condescension_n without_o a_o fear_n of_o be_v cast_v off_o or_o fall_v upon_o by_o his_o brethren_n and_o yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o we_o be_v serious_o exhort_v even_o because_o the_o lord_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o let_v our_o moderation_n be_v know_v to_o all_o man_n 12.18_o phil._n 4.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.11_o 1_o cor._n 9.22_o rom._n 12.18_o and_o that_o we_o be_v express_o command_v to_o seek_v peace_n and_o follow_v after_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o become_v all_o thing_n unto_o every_o one_o for_o their_o edification_n sake_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o have_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o to_o these_o thing_n shall_v we_o still_o justify_v ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o manifest_a transgression_n of_o all_o these_o rule_n no_o sure_o for_o to_o cover_v or_o to_o excuse_v this_o fault_n will_v aggravate_v the_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o to_o discover_v or_o condemn_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o gain_v pardon_n for_o it_o but_o to_o reform_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v that_o only_a which_o in_o this_o case_n will_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o it_o will_v avail_v nothing_o to_o confess_v our_o sin_n except_o it_o be_v forsake_v let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o resolve_v effectual_o upon_o a_o course_n of_o reformation_n our_o sin_n in_o a_o word_n be_v this_o breach_n of_o
unity_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n through_o love_n who_o imperfection_n in_o love_n be_v such_o that_o they_o do_v value_v no_o common_a relation_n unto_o christ_n and_o his_o service_n further_o than_o these_o set_v up_o some_o private_a interest_n nor_o do_v mind_n the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n through_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v common_a unto_o all_o so_o much_o as_o to_o entertain_v either_o commembership_n or_o ministerial_a fellowship_n or_o true_a gospel-work-acquaintance_n with_o any_o that_o be_v not_o either_o settle_v in_o the_o circumstantial_a course_n of_o their_o way_n or_o willing_a to_o come_v up_o unto_o they_o therein_o we_o see_v then_o upon_o these_o ground_n that_o except_o this_o neglect_n of_o duty_n be_v reform_v and_o the_o true_a end_n of_o the_o ministerial_a work_n without_o humane_a aim_n be_v hearty_o entertain_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v entrust_v the_o effect_n thereof_o will_v never_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o satan_n as_o hitherto_o he_o have_v do_v since_o they_o be_v divide_v will_v continual_o prevail_v against_o they_o all_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v they_o unto_o final_a destruction_n and_o irrecoverable_a desolation_n this_o then_o be_v the_o danger_n whereinto_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o to_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n be_v that_o matter_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n which_o by_o all_o shall_v be_v apprehend_v but_o chief_o by_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o the_o ministry_n that_o they_o in_o do_v their_o principal_a duty_n which_o be_v to_o study_v unity_n in_o the_o truth_n in_o christianity_n may_v uphold_v the_o holy_a profession_n and_o thereby_o intend_v their_o mutual_a preservation_n for_o without_o all_o doubt_n their_o very_a be_v in_o this_o kingdom_n if_o they_o take_v not_o this_o course_n will_v be_v very_o short_o in_o a_o most_o desperate_a condition_n because_o as_o it_o be_v undeniable_o apparent_a that_o hitherto_o nothing_o but_o their_o own_o disunion_n about_o matter_n extrafundamentall_a have_v make_v satan_n and_o their_o enemy_n to_o prevail_v against_o they_o unity_n the_o application_n to_o exhort_v to_o unity_n so_o it_o be_v clear_o manifest_a that_o henceforth_o nothing_o but_o their_o mutual_a union_n will_v be_v effectual_a to_o maintain_v what_o they_o yet_o hold_v or_o restore_v what_o they_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o stand_n in_o the_o profession_n he_o then_o that_o do_v decline_v to_o concur_v in_o the_o way_n of_o spiritual_a unity_n with_o those_o that_o offer_v and_o sue_v for_o the_o same_o unto_o he_o and_o be_v convict_v of_o this_o danger_n do_v not_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v it_o shall_v be_v find_v guilty_a of_o all_o the_o evil_n that_o follow_v upon_o our_o breach_n of_o all_o the_o ruin_n that_o befall_v unto_o these_o church_n of_o all_o the_o confusion_n that_o from_o thence_o arise_v unto_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o all_o the_o dishonour_n do_v to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o want_n of_o order_n in_o his_o house_n and_o of_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n which_o this_o nation_n be_v either_o now_o asperse_v withal_o abroad_o among_o their_o neighbour_n or_o will_v in_o after_o age_n cleave_v unto_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o love_n to_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o there_o be_v any_o zeal_n for_o righteousness_n and_o against_o damnable_a heresy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o just_a hatred_n due_a to_o blasphemy_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o profaneness_n and_o licentiousness_n whereby_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n be_v erect_v and_o settle_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n among_o we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o faithfulness_n and_o constancy_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o those_o that_o profess_v christianity_n have_v enter_v into_o solemn_a protestation_n vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o stand_v unite_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o a_o common_a reformation_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o our_o union_n therein_o if_o i_o say_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v to_o truth_n zeal_n for_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o christian_a covenant_n i_o may_v adjure_v such_o as_o pretend_v thereunto_o to_o show_v themselves_o at_o this_o time_n therein_o for_o their_o own_o and_o their_o brethren_n preservation_n that_o by_o the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n in_o the_o holy_a profession_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o keep_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n without_o blame_n for_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o the_o faith_n once_o give_v to_o the_o saint_n can_v be_v maintain_v by_o any_o without_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o the_o integrity_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n can_v be_v keep_v without_o observe_v the_o end_n of_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o love_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n now_o this_o practice_n among_o miinister_n in_o their_o ministerial_a charge_n can_v be_v none_o other_o but_o a_o conscionable_a concurrence_n of_o their_o spirit_n in_o that_o aim_n wherein_o the_o all_o relate_v unto_o christ_n to_o strengthen_v one_o another_o hand_n in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n for_o their_o unity_n and_o love_n to_o each_o other_o can_v have_v no_o truth_n but_o as_o it_o relate_v unto_o he_o nor_o can_v it_o relate_v otherwise_o unto_o he_o then_o by_o fulfil_v his_o will_n in_o do_v the_o work_n of_o his_o service_n and_o if_o this_o aim_v be_v lose_v in_o any_o let_v they_o pretend_v what_o they_o will_v their_o conscience_n be_v not_o sound_a their_o performance_n be_v not_o acceptable_a nor_o will_v their_o endeavour_n be_v for_o ever_o establish_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o because_o many_o have_v leave_v off_o to_o aim_v sincere_o at_o this_o who_o either_o delight_n to_o stand_v whole_o by_o themselves_o and_o give_v way_n to_o divide_v principle_n and_o practice_n or_o think_v it_o more_o expedient_a to_o stand_v whole_o associate_v but_o give_v way_n to_o the_o mean_n of_o humane_a power_n to_o trust_v more_o thereunto_o then_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a love_n and_o serviceablenesse_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o withdraw_v from_o such_o of_o both_o side_n that_o walk_v in_o these_o way_n and_o from_o their_o undertake_n the_o blessing_n of_o his_o presence_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o his_o strength_n to_o go_v along_o and_o conduct_v to_o guide_v they_o all_o their_o hand_n be_v weaken_v nothing_o which_o be_v undertake_v do_v prosper_v the_o service_n of_o christ_n house_n be_v not_o advance_v the_o steward_n thereof_o be_v either_o divide_v by_o themselves_o or_o scatter_v by_o other_o and_o general_o they_o be_v as_o man_n without_o a_o heart_n afraid_a one_o of_o another_o and_o through_o these_o their_o breach_n a_o whole_a deluge_n of_o damnable_a error_n and_o a_o full_a current_n of_o all_o unrighteous_a wicked_a and_o scandalous_a practice_n have_v overwhelm_v and_o almost_o drown_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o very_a floodgate_n of_o hell_n seem_v to_o be_v open_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v cover_v we_o with_o the_o proud_a wave_n of_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o although_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o suffer_v satan_n thus_o far_o to_o prevail_v against_o all_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o and_o to_o make_v this_o breach_n upon_o the_o leader_n for_o their_o fail_v in_o the_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v far_o from_o i_o to_o think_v ministry_n a_o doubt_n answer_v concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n as_o some_o do_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v fail_v in_o this_o our_o age_n at_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a church_n nor_o ministry_n any_o more_o among_o we_o or_o any_o where_n in_o this_o world_n but_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n have_v prevail_v against_o the_o church_n which_o christ_n do_v once_o institute_v by_o his_o apostle_n a_o new_a mission_n must_v be_v expect_v and_o a_o new_a foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o erect_n of_o his_o kingdom_n i_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v think_v so_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a but_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n for_o i_o believe_v that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o 19_o rom._n 3.4_o matth._n 24.35_o matth._n 16.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o but_o the_o word_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o christ_n mouth_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o now_o christ_n upon_o a_o special_a occasion_n say_v distinct_o unto_o his_o disciple_n three_o thing_n which_o be_v these_o 1_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o that_o truth_n whereof_o the_o apostle_n make_v confession_n which_o be_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 2_o that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v
against_o that_o church_n 3_o and_o last_o that_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n with_o authority_n to_o bind_v and_o loose_v on_o earth_n whatever_o shall_v be_v bind_v and_o loosen_v in_o heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o this_o church_n these_o promise_n i_o believe_v to_o be_v so_o sure_a that_o they_o shall_v never_o fail_v therefore_o i_o must_v conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o the_o church_n which_o be_v build_v thereupon_o nor_o the_o ministerial_a authority_n of_o the_o key_n give_v to_o that_o church_n shall_v fail_v so_o long_o as_o this_o world_n do_v last_o for_o what_o although_o some_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v their_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n make_v the_o faith_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n without_o effect_n god_n forbid_v yea_o all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v find_v liar_n that_o god_n may_v be_v find_v true_a for_o he_o have_v conclude_v all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o therefore_o in_o his_o say_n he_o shall_v be_v justifify_v and_o when_o he_o be_v judge_v overcome_v we_o must_v therefore_o acknowledge_v that_o by_o our_o unrighteousness_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v commend_v and_o that_o although_o we_o of_o this_o nation_n shall_v utter_o fail_v he_o and_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o be_v count_v his_o church_n yet_o that_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v say_v unto_o the_o seed_n of_o christ_n among_o man_n and_o never_o recall_v the_o word_n which_o he_o have_v speak_v concern_v his_o church_n but_o this_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v 59.21_o isa_n 59.21_o that_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o societic_n of_o man_n believe_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o their_o mouth_n make_v open_o profession_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n there_o be_v a_o church_n existent_a and_o wheresoever_o a_o church_n be_v existent_a there_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o key_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v then_o confident_o conclude_v from_o these_o premise_n two_o thing_n first_o see_v there_o be_v society_n of_o believer_n which_o be_v here_o existent_a and_o know_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n that_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fail_n in_o particular_a duty_n whereof_o they_o be_v guilty_a that_o yet_o god_n promise_v for_o the_o main_n will_v never_o be_v want_v to_o they_o as_o to_o his_o church_n second_o i_o may_v infer_v this_o also_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n seem_v to_o have_v get_v both_o against_o the_o ministry_n of_o this_o church_n and_o against_o their_o administration_n therein_o whereby_o he_o do_v blast_v they_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o labour_n yet_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v void_a the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o thereby_o to_o the_o administration_n of_o all_o christ_n ordinance_n now_o than_o although_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o sad_a and_o lamentable_a that_o the_o builder_n themselves_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o want_v to_o their_o duty_n as_o by_o their_o division_n to_o give_v such_o a_o advantage_n unto_o satan_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a visible_o to_o pull_v down_o more_o than_o they_o be_v able_a to_o build_v up_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n even_o these_o same_o and_o such_o like_a fail_n 76.10_o the_o comfort_n of_o believer_n against_o these_o evil_n psal_n 76.10_o will_v work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a towards_o those_o that_o love_n god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o satan_n have_v get_v against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n will_v tend_v together_o to_o god_n great_a glory_n and_o satan_n own_o overthrow_n at_o last_o for_o as_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n shall_v sure_o praise_v the_o lord_n so_o the_o plot_n of_o satan_n and_o all_o his_o prevail_a upon_o the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o saint_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v mercy_n upon_o zion_n will_v redound_v exceed_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o the_o stability_n of_o his_o purpose_n in_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o final_a and_o total_a destruction_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o see_v then_o i_o have_v cause_n to_o hope_v for_o such_o a_o issue_n of_o this_o warfare_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v that_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o fail_n in_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v take_v as_o a_o reproach_n to_o discredit_v they_o towards_o other_o in_o their_o function_n which_o i_o acknowledge_v in_o its_o own_o way_n and_o degree_n to_o be_v of_o god_n &_o not_o of_o man_n but_o rather_o as_o a_o admonition_n of_o love_n to_o show_v to_o those_o that_o be_v conscionable_a the_o necessity_n of_o lay_v their_o own_o condition_n to_o heart_n and_o of_o seek_v the_o remedy_n thereof_o in_o that_o way_n wherein_o it_o may_v be_v find_v and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o this_o design_n i_o shall_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o press_v the_o necessity_n of_o unity_n further_o press_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a unity_n which_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v among_o we_o that_o afterward_o i_o may_v come_v to_o speak_v more_o full_o of_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n say_v that_o neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n 16._o gal._n 6.15_o 16._o but_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v by_o this_o rule_n peace_n say_v be_v will_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o mercy_n and_o upon_o the_o israel_n of_o god_n here_o then_o we_o see_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o mercy_n be_v god_n blessing_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o where_o these_o fruit_n be_v not_o at_o all_o apparent_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o spirit_n of_o strife_n of_o bitterness_n of_o hatred_n and_o of_o merciless_a affection_n do_v prevail_v there_o we_o needs_o must_v say_v that_o the_o old_a creature_n be_v still_o alive_a because_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v earthly_a 18._o jam._n 3.14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o be_v the_o old_a man_n rule_n bring_v forth_o such_o effect_n now_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o mortify_v the_o member_n of_o the_o old_a man_n 3.5.8_o col._n 3.5.8_o which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n whereof_o these_o be_v a_o part_n but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n of_o division_n and_o variance_n the_o minister_n themselves_o be_v entangle_v in_o these_o passion_n and_o that_o even_o one_o against_o another_o so_o that_o they_o do_v not_o show_v forth_o all_o meekness_n with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v each_o other_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n receive_v we_o how_o can_v they_o perform_v this_o work_n how_o can_v they_o persuade_v other_o to_o walk_v by_o a_o rule_n which_o they_o mind_v not_o and_o wherein_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o exercise_v it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o to_o do_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o intend_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n and_o unity_n moreover_o it_o be_v say_v here_o that_o neither_o circumcision_n nor_o uncircumcision_n do_v avail_v any_o thing_n in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o the_o division_n and_o distraction_n which_o be_v among_o we_o for_o thing_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n be_v sinful_a and_o necessary_a to_o be_v leave_v off_o for_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o circumcision_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o uncircumcision_n to_o the_o gentile_a be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n than_o any_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o at_o this_o time_n be_v divide_v and_o if_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o breach_n between_o they_o far_o less_o these_o thing_n among_o we_o now_o that_o which_o by_o the_o new_a creature_n be_v available_a in_o christ_n jesus_n 5.6_o gal._n 5.6_o be_v faith_n only_o which_o work_v by_o love_n if_o then_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n to_o beget_v faith_n and_o love_n in_o their_o hearer_n that_o be_v to_o persuade_v the_o unbeliever_n thereunto_o and_o to_o
the_o description_n of_o this_o way_n do_v show_v a_o threefold_a excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o love_n the_o first_o be_v that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n or_o good_a work_n be_v profitable_a to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o our_o own_o salvation_n verse_n 1_o 2_o 3._o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o it_o and_o by_o it_o all_o virtue_n tend_v to_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a be_v wrought_v in_o we_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o 7._o the_o three_o be_v that_o above_o all_o other_o grace_n it_o be_v the_o only_a durable_a and_o last_a unto_o eternity_n verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o which_o doctrine_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o forego_n proposition_n in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o chap._n 12._o will_v produce_v this_o argument_n or_o demonstration_n concern_v the_o excellency_n of_o love_n that_o virtue_n without_o which_o no_o gift_n nor_o good_a work_n be_v useful_a unto_o any_o and_o by_o which_o all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o and_o which_o alone_o last_v unto_o eternity_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o charity_n be_v that_o virtue_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o spiritual_a gift_n the_o minor_a or_o the_o assumption_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v make_v good_a concern_v charity_n in_o the_o three_o several_a part_n thereof_o foremention_v first_o then_o that_o without_o it_o no_o spiritual_a talent_n and_o outward_a good_a work_n be_v useful_a the_o apostle_n do_v make_v out_o in_o many_o particular_n for_o he_o first_o mention_v the_o gift_n of_o utterance_n suppose_v a_o man_n can_v speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n yet_o if_o he_o want_v charity_n he_o be_v to_o his_o auditory_a but_o as_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a cymbale_n verse_n 1._o afterward_o the_o gift_n of_o pprophecy_n of_o understand_v all_o mystery_n of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o all_o faith_n to_o do_v miracle_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n he_o declare_v that_o all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o virtue_n neither_o to_o the_o church_n nor_o to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o ver._n 2._o then_o concern_v good_a work_n he_o suppose_v the_o large_a and_o most_o compassionate_a relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o great_a constancy_n in_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n even_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o charity_n all_o these_o work_n will_v avail_v he_o nothing_o verse_n 3._o charity_n then_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o these_o gift_n and_o be_v to_o be_v count_v the_o life_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o they_o all_o second_o that_o by_o charity_n all_o virtue_n be_v wrought_v in_o we_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o like_a manner_n declare_v in_o many_o particular_n for_o the_o virtue_n which_o make_v we_o perfect_a for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n in_o action_n and_o about_o thing_n they_o all_o proceed_v from_o charity_n for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o person_n if_o other_o be_v cross_a and_o froward_a it_o teach_v long-suffering_a if_o they_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a it_o teach_v kindness_n if_o they_o be_v in_o glory_n and_o prosperity_n it_o do_v not_o envy_v their_o condition_n if_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o ourselves_o find_v some_o excellency_n or_o eminency_n in_o our_o own_o condition_n which_o other_o have_v not_o it_o do_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o vaunt_v thereof_o towards_o other_o nor_o to_o be_v puff_v up_o thereby_o within_o ourselves_o verse_n 4._o for_o our_o behaviour_n in_o action_n whether_o they_o be_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n whether_o evil_a or_o good_a charity_n do_v teach_v the_o virtue_n which_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o they_o in_o our_o own_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o form_n charity_n do_v not_o behave_v itself_o unseemly_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n it_o seek_v not_o her_o own_o in_o the_o action_n of_o other_o if_o they_o be_v evil_a it_o be_v not_o provoke_v easy_o to_o wrath_n or_o sharpness_n by_o they_o if_o they_o be_v good_a it_o do_v not_o think_v evil_a of_o they_o verse_n 5._o it_o be_v own_o proper_a action_n be_v joy_n whereof_o the_o object_n be_v not_o iniquity_n but_o truth_n whether_o in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o verse_n 6._o for_o our_o behaviour_n about_o thing_n if_o the_o thing_n be_v indifferent_a and_o present_a as_o do_v by_o other_o it_o bear_v with_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o say_v or_o promise_v by_o other_o it_o believe_v they_o or_o absent_a and_o expect_v from_o other_o it_o hope_v for_o they_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v evil_a it_o endure_v they_o verse_n 7._o thus_o in_o all_o respect_v it_o do_v make_v a_o man_n complete_a in_o all_o virtue_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v call_v it_o the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n do_v exhort_v we_o above_o all_o other_o endeavour_n to_o exercise_v ourselves_o therein_o coloss_n 3.14_o above_o all_o these_o thing_n put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n three_o that_o of_o all_o other_o grace_n necessary_a to_o make_v we_o perfect_a unto_o salvation_n charity_n be_v alone_o the_o permanent_a virtue_n the_o apostle_n do_v show_v first_o by_o declare_v that_o it_o never_o fail_v second_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o prophecy_n with_o tongue_n and_o with_o knowledge_n which_o all_o shall_v fail_v and_o vanish_v away_o verse_n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o three_o by_o exalt_v it_o above_o faith_n and_o hope_n as_o the_o great_a of_o these_o grace_n verse_n 13._o and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v add_v the_o commendation_n which_o the_o apostle_n john_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n do_v give_v unto_o this_o virtue_n as_o the_o chief_a mean_n of_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n of_o comfort_n within_o ourselves_o and_o of_o our_o inoffensivenesse_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n we_o may_v be_v very_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_n but_o to_o such_o as_o in_o their_o ministry_n have_v any_o conscionable_a respect_n unto_o the_o express_a will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o can_v discern_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a this_o will_v suffice_v at_o this_o time_n to_o commend_v unity_n and_o charity_n consider_v in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v good_a pleasant_a lovely_a and_o desirable_a sect._n iii_o of_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v more_o especial_o obligatory_a unto_o minister_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_n beside_o the_o loveliness_n and_o excellency_n of_o these_o virtue_n which_o do_v commend_v to_o all_o the_o practice_n thereof_o in_o a_o common_a way_n there_o be_v three_o special_a consideration_n which_o ought_v to_o induce_v minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o entertain_v in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o ministry_n one_o with_o another_o the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n follow_v thereupon_o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o rule_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o professor_n without_o which_o none_o can_v be_v answerable_a unto_o the_o call_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v unto_o christianity_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v take_v from_o the_o laudable_a practice_n of_o those_o who_o be_v set_v before_o they_o as_o infallible_a example_n in_o the_o ministry_n and_o the_o three_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v peculiar_o require_v of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v minister_n so_o that_o none_o who_o neglect_v these_o duty_n will_v be_v able_a to_o approve_v himself_o in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n either_o a_o true_a christian_a by_o the_o common_a profession_n or_o a_o upright_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o ministry_n or_o a_o faithful_a servant_n to_o the_o trust_v commit_v unto_o he_o in_o his_o charge_n but_o in_o the_o day_n of_o account_n must_v expect_v to_o receive_v not_o the_o praise_n due_a to_o the_o good_a and_o faithful_a but_o the_o reproof_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o wicked_a and_o slothful_a servant_n 25.21.23.26_o march_n 25.21.23.26_o together_o with_o his_o reward_n as_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n wherein_o professor_n be_v oblige_v to_o relate_v to_o one_o another_o and_o which_o to_o that_o effect_n be_v main_o press_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o again_o and_o again_o &_o commend_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n as_o matter_n which_o to_o uphold_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o profession_n before_o the_o world_n be_v most_o of_o all_o necessary_a they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o effect_n of_o unity_n and_o love_n in_o truth_n and_o holiness_n for_o truth_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o fundamental_n of_o a_o single_a profession_n but_o without_o the_o effect_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n in_o these_o there_o
brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n in_o act_n 15._o vers_fw-la 1._o till_o 30._o where_n one_o church_n do_v crave_v and_o another_o do_v contribute_v assistance_n counsel_n and_o authority_n in_o a_o synodical_a way_n towards_o the_o decision_n and_o settlement_n of_o the_o difference_n which_o break_v forth_o among_o they_o four_o the_o example_n wherein_o minister_n among_o themselves_o do_v strengthen_v one_o another_o in_o the_o work_n of_o their_o employment_n towards_o the_o church_n be_v that_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o have_v communicate_v together_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v gal._n 2._o vers_fw-la 2._o and_o make_v know_v to_o one_o another_o their_o practice_n verse_n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o to_o gain_v mutual_a approbation_n and_o confirmation_n therein_o verse_n 6.7_o 8._o they_o do_v enter_v into_o a_o contract_n of_o followship_n verse_n 9_o and_o a_o obligation_n of_o communion_n and_o communication_n of_o good_a thing_n between_o their_o church_n verse_n 9_o 10._o nor_o be_v it_o find_v lawful_a or_o answerable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o upon_o humane_a consideration_n or_o partial_a respect_n that_o communion_n shall_v be_v break_v verse_n 11._o till_o the_o end_n from_o all_o which_o again_o do_v follow_v that_o which_o former_o have_v be_v conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o conscionable_a nothing_o more_o commendable_a nothing_o more_o profitable_a and_o nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n then_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v maintain_v a_o brotherly_a communion_n and_o correspondency_n one_o with_o another_o and_o that_o such_o as_o neglect_v this_o duty_n walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o the_o call_n wherewith_o they_o be_v call_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n sect._n v._o concern_v that_o which_o concern_v the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n in_o itself_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o ministerial_a office_n in_o itself_o and_o consider_v that_o whereunto_o it_o have_v a_o special_a reference_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o all_o minister_n that_o be_v faithful_a to_o their_o charge_n be_v bind_v at_o all_o time_n to_o have_v respect_n unto_o four_o thing_n the_o first_o be_v their_o relation_n unto_o christ_n as_o they_o be_v under_o he_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o second_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n as_o therein_o they_o be_v officer_n the_o three_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o their_o charge_n in_o the_o office_n the_o four_o be_v their_o relation_n to_o their_o fellow_n labourer_n in_o these_o work_n none_o of_o these_o respect_n must_v be_v want_v because_o without_o their_o subordination_n unto_o christ_n they_o be_v no_o minister_n nor_o be_v they_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n but_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v count_v member_n without_o a_o work_n to_o perform_v because_o the_o use_n of_o every_o member_n be_v to_o be_v a_o organ_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o body_n now_o the_o soul_n of_o this_o body_n be_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o true_a believer_n be_v a_o member_n organical_a in_o his_o own_o place_n that_o be_v appoint_v to_o some_o useful_a work_n nor_o be_v any_o member_n alone_o but_o it_o be_v put_v together_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o make_v up_o the_o whole_a by_o mutual_a conjunction_n and_o cooperation_n therefore_o none_o do_v work_v as_o it_o be_v alone_o but_o as_o it_o stand_v unite_v with_o its_o fellow-labourer_n in_o every_o work_n and_o as_o none_o of_o these_o respect_n can_v be_v want_v in_o the_o office_n of_o the_o ministry_n so_o none_o beside_o these_o be_v needful_a for_o if_o a_o member_n do_v due_o depend_v upon_o his_o head_n and_o stand_v in_o its_o right_a place_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v a_o lively_a faculty_n to_o do_v its_o own_o work_n and_o be_v no_o way_n disjoint_v but_o fit_o compact_v and_o link_v to_o the_o other_o member_n in_o do_v its_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v further_o desire_v or_o wish_v for_o in_o it_o these_o be_v then_o the_o essential_a and_o proper_a relation_n under_o which_o a_o minister_n as_o a_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v now_o if_o it_o be_v find_v that_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n nothing_o do_v make_v he_o so_o fit_a for_o his_o office_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n as_o to_o maintain_v the_o duty_n of_o brotherly_a love_n unity_n communion_n and_o correspondency_n and_o that_o without_o the_o study_n of_o these_o he_o can_v stand_v aright_o in_o any_o of_o those_o relation_n then_o i_o suppose_v that_o these_o duty_n will_v without_o contradiction_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o commendable_a and_o useful_a that_o he_o can_v apply_v himself_o unto_o and_o that_o without_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v let_v we_o therefore_o take_v these_o relation_n into_o a_o more_o distinct_a consideration_n and_o see_v how_o therein_o by_o these_o duty_n a_o minister_n be_v fit_v for_o his_o office_n first_o than_o a_o minister_n by_o his_o office_n be_v subordinate_a unto_o christ_n as_o a_o servant_n as_o a_o disciple_n and_o as_o a_o friend_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v these_o relation_n evident_a to_o the_o world_n and_o sure_a to_o himself_o be_v to_o make_v his_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a which_o be_v effect_v when_o both_o other_o be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o he_o himself_o do_v assure_o of_o himself_o know_v that_o what_o he_o do_v in_o his_o charge_n be_v do_v to_o serve_v christ_n as_o it_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o friend_n but_o except_o his_o behaviour_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o charge_n be_v suitable_a to_o that_o love_n whereby_o christ_n his_o master_n do_v love_v we_o and_o thereby_o do_v unite_v himself_o unto_o we_o these_o relation_n will_v not_o be_v evidence_v for_o to_o be_v a_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n he_o must_v make_v two_o thing_n appear_v first_o that_o he_o serve_v none_o but_o he_o alone_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v gal._n 1.10_o and_o as_o christ_n require_v of_o all_o to_o be_v do_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o none_o can_v serve_v two_o master_n matth._n 6.24_o and_o second_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o same_o work_n which_o christ_n do_v for_o he_o command_v all_o his_o servant_n to_o follow_v he_o john_n 12.26_o namely_o in_o that_o service_n which_o he_o perform_v which_o be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n and_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n unto_o we_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 4.5_o in_o order_n to_o this_o do_v profess_v not_o to_o preach_v himself_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o himself_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o corinthian_n for_o jesus_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o we_o to_o invite_v all_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sake_n 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19.21_o and_o 6.1_o as_o the_o employment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o service_n of_o love_n gal._n 5.13_o that_o be_v to_o express_v the_o love_n and_o fulfil_v the_o law_n of_o christ_n 16.14_o 1_o cor._n 16.14_o gal._n 6.2_o so_o the_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o disciple_n by_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v in_o the_o world_n from_o all_o other_o be_v mutual_a love_n and_o unity_n as_o be_v clear_a by_o john_n 13.35_o and_o herein_o as_o well_o as_o in_o hold_v forth_o the_o word_n they_o be_v to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n matth._n 5.14_o which_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v these_o two_o place_n phil._n 2.14_o 15_o 16._o with_o 1_o john_n 2.9_o 10_o 11._o the_o whole_a relation_n then_o of_o be_v a_o true_a servant_n and_o disciple_n be_v evidence_v by_o nothing_o more_o than_o by_o this_o work_n of_o love_n and_o mutual_a unity_n last_o also_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o none_o can_v claim_v the_o title_n of_o be_v christ_n friend_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o christ_n have_v entail_v the_o right_a to_o this_o dignity_n whole_o upon_o this_o condition_n which_o be_v clear_o express_v john_n 15.12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o great_a love_n have_v no_o man_n then_o this_o that_o a_o man_n lie_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o friend_n you_o be_v my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v whatsoever_o i_o command_v you_o etc._n etc._n and_o when_o in_o vers_n 15._o and_o 16._o he_o have_v show_v how_o much_o by_o his_o friendship_n to_o
professor_n of_o christianity_n from_o that_o unsettlement_n which_o be_v bring_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v child_n in_o understanding_n by_o the_o different_a doctrine_n of_o man_n and_o their_o sleight_n and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v the_o simple_a and_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o whence_o we_o may_v gather_v that_o if_o the_o true_a minister_n have_v do_v their_o work_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v in_o love_n and_o unity_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n the_o deceiver_n of_o these_o time_n will_v never_o have_v prevail_v so_o as_o they_o have_v do_v hitherto_o but_o because_o this_o have_v not_o be_v intend_v therefore_o they_o have_v get_v all_o the_o advantage_n that_o they_o can_v desire_v and_o wish_v for_o both_o against_o we_o and_o all_o other_o protestant_n three_o their_o work_n be_v not_o only_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n 15._o verse_n 15._o and_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o seducer_n but_o to_o endeavour_v their_o growth_n in_o all_o thing_n into_o he_o who_o be_v their_o head_n christ_n by_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o love_n four_o and_o to_o this_o effect_n their_o work_n be_v to_o compact_v they_o and_o join_v they_o together_o as_o one_o body_n to_o build_v up_o themselves_o in_o love_n by_o that_o which_o every_o joint_n be_v able_a to_o supply_v unto_o another_o 16._o verse_n 16._o whence_o we_o may_v most_o evident_o perceive_v that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o their_o work_n towards_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n to_o perfect_v they_o and_o build_v they_o up_o be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o but_o this_o to_o unite_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o unsettlement_n and_o to_o cause_v they_o grow_v up_o within_o themselves_o by_o the_o love_a communication_n of_o their_o grace_n to_o each_o other_o as_o concern_v the_o work_n which_o they_o be_v to_o intend_v for_o the_o gospel_n to_o maintain_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o a_o word_n to_o uphold_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v after_o godliness_n that_o it_o may_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n 1.1_o tit._n 1.1_o and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n to_o teach_v they_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n 14._o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o the_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n now_o to_o hold_v forth_o this_o word_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n require_v in_o all_o professor_n and_o therefore_o most_o of_o all_o in_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o profession_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v all_o thing_n without_o murmur_n and_o dispute_n 2.14_o phil._n 2.14_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o their_o conversation_n blameless_a and_o harmless_a as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v stand_v fast_o in_o in_o one_o spirit_n 1.27_o phil._n 1.27_o with_o one_o mind_n strive_v together_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n where_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o in_o that_o work_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n the_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o peaceablenesse_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o professor_n be_v the_o necessary_a requisite_n without_o which_o nothing_o in_o this_o kind_n can_v be_v effect_v for_o this_o work_n have_v two_o part_n the_o one_o be_v towards_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n the_o other_o be_v against_o the_o adversary_n of_o truth_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o truth_n the_o work_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o common_a profession_n to_o concur_v in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o peace_n with_o all_o those_o that_o call_v upon_o god_n out_o of_o a_o pure_a heart_n 2_o tim._n 2.22_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o aim_n of_o mutual_a edification_n for_o practice_n it_o be_v to_o exhort_v one_o another_o daily_a while_n it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n hebr._n 3.13_o and_o to_o provoke_v one_o another_o to_o love_n and_o to_o good_a work_n heb._n 10.24_o and_o for_o knowledge_n it_o be_v to_o endeavour_v that_o their_o heart_n may_v be_v comfort_v be_v knit_v together_o in_o love_n and_o to_o all_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n col._n 2.2_o 3._o where_o we_o ought_v to_o observe_v that_o the_o study_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n have_v not_o only_o a_o influence_n upon_o the_o common_a profession_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o peculiar_a work_n of_o edification_n which_o be_v practical_a to_o maintain_v it_o but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o confirm_v and_o comfort_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o secret_a mystery_n and_o consequent_o that_o where_o this_o study_n be_v not_o entertain_v there_o both_o the_o profession_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n which_o arise_v unto_o the_o soul_n of_o believer_n practical_o and_o intellectual_o from_o their_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o each_o other_o edification_n do_v whole_o decay_v and_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o father_n and_o christ_n be_v darken_v make_v doubtful_a and_o by_o some_o utter_o contradict_v all_o which_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v now_o adays_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o then_o in_o any_o age_n heretofore_o by_o our_o dissension_n as_o for_o the_o adversary_n and_o gainsayer_n who_o be_v to_o be_v oppose_v if_o we_o take_v they_o to_o be_v the_o principality_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n and_o spirituality_n of_o malice_n in_o high_a place_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o armour_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o fight_v against_o they_o and_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o their_o assault_n be_v to_o have_v our_o loin_n that_o be_v our_o affection_n gird_v about_o with_o truth_n that_o be_v with_o sincere_a love_n which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o perfectness_n ephes_n 6.14_o and_o to_o have_v our_o foot_n shod_a that_o be_v our_o way_n of_o conversion_n fit_v with_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n that_o be_v with_o mean_n of_o peace_n 4.15_o col._n 3.14_o with_o ephes_n 4.15_o to_o prepare_v man_n to_o entertain_v without_o offence_n and_o peaceable_o the_o gospel_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o we_o ephes_n 6.15_o but_o if_o we_o take_v the_o opposer_n to_o be_v man_n although_o sometime_o their_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v 2.23_o tit._n 1.10_o 11_o 12_o 13._o tit._n 3.9_o 2_o tim._n 2.23_o and_o they_o sharp_o rebuke_v namely_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v vain_a talker_n unruly_a deceiver_n and_o liar_n yet_o always_o matter_n of_o strife_n and_o jangle_v both_o with_o they_o and_o all_o other_o be_v to_o be_v avoid_v which_o we_o now_o have_v not_o heed_v and_o the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n even_o in_o his_o great_a zeal_n and_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n must_v never_o be_v precipitate_a and_o hasty_a that_o be_v without_o long-suffering_a 2_o tim._n 4.2_o 3._o but_o chief_o towards_o such_o of_o who_o there_o may_v be_v hope_n of_o recovery_n all_o gentleness_n patience_n forbearance_n and_o meekness_n of_o instruction_n be_v with_o great_a care_n to_o be_v use_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v teach_v timothy_n 2_o epist_n 2.24_o 25._o which_o be_v a_o lesson_n almost_o utter_o forget_v in_o these_o our_o day_n among_o some_o that_o esteem_v themselves_o the_o chief_a of_o professor_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a part_n of_o all_o the_o ministerial_a work_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o love_n and_o unity_n must_v not_o appear_v as_o the_o principal_a agent_n to_o make_v it_o successful_a four_o and_o last_o their_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o as_o fellow-labourer_n in_o these_o work_n be_v proper_o that_o of_o joint_n which_o be_v between_o the_o member_n of_o the_o body_n to_o unite_v they_o to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o make_v they_o dependent_a upon_o the_o head_n for_o in_o ephes_n 4._o vers_fw-la 16._o the_o apostle_n do_v clear_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o